1. Hike Crypt Lake
If you are going to build one day around a big Waterton experience, make it Crypt Lake. The day starts with a boat ride across Upper Waterton Lake and then combines a long climb with waterfalls, wildflowers, a ladder, a tunnel, a short cable-assisted section and a bright blue alpine lake.
We took the Hell Roaring Falls variation, which made our day closer to 12 miles. The hike is challenging because of the distance and sustained uphill, but the famous ladder, tunnel and cable sections were more fun than frightening for us.
Worth it? Absolutely. This was one of the most memorable days of our trip.
Read our complete Crypt Lake hiking guide →
2. Hike Bear's Hump
Bear's Hump is the hike to do when you want a huge payoff without giving up most of the day. It is short but steep, with a sweeping overlook of Upper Waterton Lake, the townsite, surrounding mountains and the Prince of Wales Hotel.
We especially liked doing this before heading to the Prince of Wales. Seeing the whole area from above gives you a much better sense of Waterton's setting.
3. Walk through Red Rock Canyon
Do not just look at Red Rock Canyon from above. We brought water shoes and walked through the shallow canyon itself. The water was cold, but walking between the colorful rock walls made this much more memorable than a quick scenic stop.
Red Rock Canyon is at the end of the Red Rock Parkway, roughly a half-hour drive from town. If you want to get into the water, bring water shoes.
4. Try a water adventure
Waterton is famously windy, and we saw people out on the lake doing what looked like windsurfing. It looked like such a cool way to experience the park. Parks Canada lists windsurfing and kite surfing among Waterton's activities, along with kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
If windsurfing is not your thing, renting a kayak, canoe or paddleboard is a more accessible way to get out on the water. One important planning detail is that current park rules prohibit launching non-motorized watercraft brought in from outside the park. Use an approved local rental and check the latest Parks Canada watercraft rules before you go.
The water is very cold and Waterton can get strong winds quickly, so this is one place where conditions really matter.
5. Have a drink at the Prince of Wales Hotel
Even if you are not staying there, the Prince of Wales Hotel is worth a stop. It sits on a bluff above Upper Waterton Lake with one of the best easy-access views in the park.
We went for a drink after hiking Bear's Hump, which was a great combination. You get the active experience first, then another incredible view with considerably less effort.
6. Spend time in Waterton town
Do not treat the townsite as just the place where you catch the Crypt Lake boat. It is small, walkable and really cute, with shops, food options, a general store and a great ice cream stop. We found some fun, unusual ice cream flavors.
We also saw deer casually walking around town. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but it fit the relaxed mountain-town feel perfectly.
7. Take in Upper Waterton Lake
Even if you are hiking Crypt Lake, the boat ride across Upper Waterton Lake is part of the experience. The ride is short, but the mountain views from the water are beautiful.
If Crypt Lake is not in your plans, it is still worth finding a way to spend time along or on the lake. Waterton's combination of water, steep mountains and open views is a big part of what makes the park feel different.
If you have more time
We did not get to everything, and that is actually one of the reasons we would stay longer next time. Waterton has several other substantial hikes, including Carthew-Alderson and longer backcountry options. We would rather come back and hike them ourselves before telling you which one deserves your time.
How long do you need in Waterton?
Two nights is a great minimum if you are adding Waterton to a Glacier trip. That gives you time for a full Crypt Lake day plus Bear's Hump, Red Rock Canyon, the Prince of Wales Hotel and some time in town.
Three or four nights makes sense if you want another major hike or simply do not want to rush. Waterton is quieter than Glacier, but it is not just a place to sleep on the way there. We think it is worth deliberately adding to the itinerary.
Planning Glacier too? Read why we think Waterton is worth the add-on →